HL Deb 24 July 2000 vol 616 cc25-6WA
Lord Peston

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to fulfil their manifesto commitment to extend the Attorney-General's powers to refer lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal for review. [HL3553]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

An order extending the Attorney-General's powers in relation to unduly lenient sentences is being laid before Parliament today. This will enable the Attorney-General to refer sentences imposed for offences of illegal trafficking in drugs and pornographic material involving children and offences specifically against children (unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16, inciting a girl under 16 to have incestuous intercourse and indecent conduct towards a young child). The order comes into effect on 21 August 2000 and will apply to any sentence imposed after that date. The Government will keep under review whether further exclusions should be made in future.